Combination of intracostal sutures with muscle flap to decrease post thoracotomy pain: a singleblinded randomized clinical trial

Objective: To assess the efficacy of intercostal nerve protection by intercostal muscle [ICM] flap in post-thoracotomy pain improvement compared to intracostal suturing

Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, ninety-four patients undergoing posterolateral thoracotomy surgery were divided into two subgroups. Intracostal sutures in isolation and in combination with ICM flap techniques were used for thoracotomy closure in both groups. Numeric Pain Scale and Visual Pain Scale as pain scores were assessed on the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh postoperative days and follow-up visits during the 2[nd] week, 1[st], 2[nd], 4[th] and 6[th] months after thoracotomy

Results: Out of 94 patients, 58 were male and 36 were females. While the mean age of patients in intracostal group was 45.3 +/- 17.6 years, it was 47.4 +/- 16.1 years in intracostal plus ICM flap group. The mean operation time for the first group was 191.0 +/- 74.7 minutes, while it was 219.3 +/- 68.8 minutes in the second [p>0.05]. Numeric rating score and visual pain scale did not demonstrate any significant difference in pain severity on postoperative days and follow-up visits between both groups [p>0.05]. Although the trend of pain reduction was significant in each group [p<0.001], the difference was not statistically significant [p>0.001]

Conclusion: Intracostal sutures in combination with muscle flap did not reduce postoperative pain in thoracotomy compared with intracostal sutures alone in thoracotomy closure

Comparison of pressure vs. volume controlled ventilation on oxygenation parameters of obese patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Backyround and Objective: There is no special guideline for the best ventilation mode during laparoscopic anesthesia in obese patients and there are too many studies with different controversial points

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of pressure controlled ventilation [PCV] vs. volume controlled ventilation [VCV] on respiratory and oxygenation parameters in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Methods: Seventy patients with 30

Results: Patients in VCV group needed higher tidal volume and respiratory rate to maintain target C02 in 35 and 55 minutes after the study. Plateau pressure and mean airway pressure in two groups didn't have significant difference between two groups but peak airway pressure in 35 and 55 minutes after pneumoperitoneum was significantly higher in VCV group than PCV group. There were no significant differences between two groups regarding P02, PC02 and pH, except 35 and 55 minutes after pneumoperitoneum. In mentioned times, patients in PCV group had significantly higher P02 levels compared to VCV group

Conclusion: Despite some beneficial effects regarding plateau, mean airway pressure and oxygenation parameters with PCV, there was no significant clinical difference between PCV and VCV in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Evaluation of antimicrobial effects of nano-silver coated nylon carpets

Carpets are commonly used in our lives and are in contact with microorganisms. Antimicrobial agents should be used for the prevention of unwanted effects of microorganisms and control of their transmission. In this study, antimicrobial suspension of nano- silver was used for covering of nylon carpets. Different concentrations of nano- silver suspension were used by spraying method for covering of nylon carpets. In different examinations, small pieces of carpets [0.5x1 cm[2]] were treated with bacterial suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Before and after examination, the numbers of bacteria were counted and decreasing rate of them was determined. In nylon carpet with 25 ppm nano silver, decreasing rate of bacteria was 73.3%, while in carpets with 50 ppm and more, decreasing rate was 99.9%. Silver stability was assessed after 1 to 10 times of standard washing in 60 °C with household bleach for 20 min. Silvers of carpet surface were established and saved their antibacterial effects after washing. Spraying nano- silver solution on commodities and factory products can prevent transmission of many microorganisms and infection diseases